For the first time in school history, a girls tennis doubles team has qualified for the state tennis tournament. Senior Madeline Ragsdale and sophomore Kourtlyn Adams played their way through the district tournament over fall break to earn a ticket to Springfield for the tournament on Oct. 22-23.

The girls tennis coach, Mr. Patrick Reed, entered the girls as a doubles team in districts, even though both of the girls were in the top three singles players on the team.

“It was a no-brainer,” said Coach Reed. “They like playing doubles.”

Adams and Ragsdale finished second in District 7, which allowed them to go on to play the first place winners of District 8. The girls beat them 7-6, 6-4, which meant that they were on their way to state.

The two girls’ secret to success is their combined individual talents, according to Coach Reed.

“They both have unique skills,” said Coach Reed. “Madeline is a superior net player, and Kourtlyn is an incredible base-line player, so when you have those skills together, you have a formidable doubles team.”

Ragsdale and Adams are gearing up to compete in Springfield next weekend.

“I have no expectations. I’ve never coached girls at state; we’ve never been to state,” said Reed. “In my opinion, the only thing that can stop them is themselves.”